[A/N] And here we are again, I suppose I should start by hoping you all had a merry Christmas, and enjoyed your time with your families and also that you all got what you wanted from Santa. Since I'm still festive, I guess we should continue our tale…

Broken Bow: The 12 Years of Christmas

Chapter 8: 2011 (Part 1)

Aren McNamara was doing her best to enjoy the festive season, really she was. If anything the Hunter always enjoyed celebrating. But something was nagging at her. It wasn't her company. No, she had gotten quite settled in with her de facto boyfriend and the permanent housemate that was the young nymph Lya, and was indeed quite content with her life. She still got to hunt, she got to relax and all she had to do was keep an eye on Armani which, with the exception of the incident with the Amazons (something she should've seen coming when Armani wanted to complain about his late delivery times in person, though to be honest she was a little flattered he'd get so upset about her birthday present coming late), she had managed to do by keeping him out of trouble and she was also glad that not once in their time together at the condo had he come close to inadvertently destroying the universe (that was the one she was most worried about). No, life was indeed good. The Hunter was…happy.

Then why did she seem so on edge? Christmas was a happy time, and since Lady Artemis and the Hunters were scheduled to drop in over Christmas and new year then she should feel nothing but total contentment. But no, it was nagging at her.

As she sat on the sofa, watching Armani scurry about the living room, it finally kicked in:

He was smiling.

Now this wasn't an odd thing in itself, it wasn't like he walked around all day with a scowl carved into his face, well… not always anyway, but it was something about that smile that hadn't left his face for the past day or so that had gotten to her.

It was the sort of smile you would have in that second between when you got your prey in your sights and when you release your arrow.

That, Aren concluded, could only mean one thing: he was excited about something, something that most likely fell into her category of keeping him out of trouble.

The fact that he was walking about humming Christmas carols only seemed to make it the more disturbing.

-A-

It's a funny thing, anticipation… It comes in so many forms. Normally at this point in the year I would be sitting down, planning and contemplating, plotting and preparing, and being an altogether devious little demigod. This year, my anticipation felt different; my heart was racing, I could feel the wild surging through me in readiness. I felt good.

Of course I hadn't told Aren. I should probably get round to that at some point.

You think?

Oh be quiet.

It's going to be the Amazons all over again…

You're never going to let that go, are you? I believed I was quite tactful, all things considered.

Tactful? You walked in there, tied up that woman in reception, then, after issuing your complaint, spent fifteen minutes shouting at their leader about why their plan for world conquest was so stupid.

It WAS stupid! They were trying to take over the world with an online book shop!

I know that, you know that, Aren knew that, but that didn't mean you had to rub their faces in it.

Come along, we got out without any more violence didn't we?

I suppose… Though I suspect they were merely too paralysed with rage to retaliate.

I wasn't THAT bad, give me some credit?

Really? You consider 'If there was a mount Stupidmore, it would have your face carved in it' not going too far?

What can I say; I was kind of lost in the moment.

Speaking of which, I do believe Aren suspects something.

I paused and glanced out my peripheral vision at Aren, whom Lya had forced into a rather attractive miniature Santa outfit, to find her silently watching me, her finger swirling about in her eggnog unconsciously.

I turned my focus ahead again. Most likely, but there's nothing she needs to worry about. This year will be different.

You say that every year.

Yes, but this year… this year…

Different?

Shut up. Besides, you know what I mean.

I'm inside your head; of course I know what you mean. And, yes, I suppose I shall concede that this year will indeed be different…

Muahah-

No evil laughing, please.

Sorry.

After I finished putting out the last of the snacks I strode over to the soft and sat down, immediately leaning over and dropping my head into Aren's lap.

She let out a slightly startled gasp, and then smiled. "Something up?" I asked, rolling over to lie on my back and look up at her.

She frowned slightly as she went to idly play with my hair as she often does, "You're up to something…"

I smiled, "I'm always up to something, what else is new?"

She smiled sweetly as she twisted one of my braids until I winced, "But this time I think it's something I should care about. You gonna tell me?"

"You know, it's hard for you to look threatening dressed like that."

She flushed and, scowling, folded her arms, "Fine, don't tell me."

I sighed, leaning up and kissing her once on her enflamed cheek before settling down, "I wouldn't worry, it's nothing malicious, nothing too troublesome and nothing that'll kill me or destroy the world. It's just…some festive fun."

Aren pouted and looked away, "…Fine, but I'm taking your word on it."

I smiled, "Splendid. Now, if you'll excuse me…"

"Where are you going?" asked Aren as I pushed myself to my feet and headed for the bedroom.

"I have to go and get changed…"

She watched him go, confused, "Fine, but just remember; your father is supposed to be dropping in tonight, although, I'm surprised he's not here yet…"

Armani's voice trailed out from his door, "I'm sure he's fine, probably just got lost on his way from the bus station."

"And you say not to worry?" she called.

"Like I said, he'll be fine. He is my father after all."

She rolled back to face forwards, glaring at the TV, "Yes, that's what worries me."

'Santa' sat in his sleigh, dwelling and pondering.

"I could just give it a miss this year…"

The man's outline shimmered bright gold, the outline pulling away and solidifying into the sun god's regular form.

"Are you scared or something?" Apollo asked of the other version of himself.

"No!" objected the old man harshly, "It's just… our victory might not be so…easily fabulous as all the last times." Muttered 'Santa', his voice returning to its youthful tone.

Apollo nodded thoughtfully. "Yes… He's gotten slightly… better since last year."

They both glanced at the moon and shuddered in perfect timing, "It's like she knows." said Apollo.

"You think she does?" asked 'Santa'.

They both looked at each other, "Nah…" they said in time, shaking their heads.

Apollo scowled, glaring at the horizon, "You think I'm scared?" he said, scowling into the night.

"I'm Santa Claus," continued the older version, "and I fear no man!"

"You know, I think you're out of character…" muttered Apollo.

"Really? You think you should've said that bit?"

Apollo nodded, "I suppose our genius is just too great to stay contained in one of us."

'Santa' inclined his head, "We are that amazing."

Apollo returned the gesture, "Magnificent." And, in as dramatic a way he could muster, he stood to his feet, hands on his hips, "Onwards!" he called, pointing ahead.

'Santa' stood up, mirroring his pose, "To victory!" they merged back into one.

And so, 'ho, ho, ho'ing his way across the night sky, 'Santa' headed off for his final annual Christmas eve challenge, where he knew his opponent would be waiting.

December 24th 2011 11:35pm

Aren noticed the front door was slightly ajar and, as she walked outside, ignoring the chilly sea breeze, she found Armani.

She rested her hands on her hips, "Just what are you doing up there?"

Armani's eyes flicked to her and then back up to the skies he was observing, he was sitting in the centre of the condo's roof just above the crescent moon and small sun symbol, his legs folded and hands resting calmly on his knees. His aura flowed gently in the moonlight, reflecting his contentment.

He smiled softly, "Nothing much, just…enjoying the night air."

She clambered up onto the roof, scowling and ,suddenly, felt a sadness well up inside, "Please don't lie to me…."

He blinked, and she knew she'd reached him. His eyes were slightly wide, and then they softened, and he smiled, a warm boyish and almost carefree smile. He was up to something, but he was genuinely happy about it too, "It's nothing to worry about, I promise…"

She sighed as she smiled reluctantly back, her cheeks heating up somewhat. She'd have to play his game after all then, "Okay," she said walking over and dropping into a crouch by him, "You want to tell me why you're dressed in black?" she prodded. The fact he was in his Hunter's tunic was a giveaway, but he only ever wore two kinds; green and brown for hunting in the forest and when fighting regular opponents, and black; which he wore when fighting either mystical or non-human adversaries and needed to stay in the shadows. She nudged the hilt on at his hip, "And why you're armed?"

Surprisingly, he chuckled, his smile widening, "Because I'm happy to be alive, and I feel the need to celebrate that…and the fact that I love you."

She pouted and looked away to hide the blush she knew would form. She really hated it when he played that card, it was usually the one she used, "…not letting you off the hook that easily."

He laughed, "I'd be disappointed if you did…"

He looked back up into the sky, "You know, you really should get ready for bed, you need to go to sleep early on Christmas eve."

She frowned, "Why?"

He smirked, "because Santa Claus might not bring you your presents…"

She did a take and then elbowed him gently, "Be serious."

He inclined his head, "I am. Who do you think I'm out here waiting for? He usually gives me mine in person."

She cocked an eyebrow, and then smiled almost pityingly, "Armani, you do know… right?"

He continued looking up, that ghost of a smile unmoving, "Know what?"

She let out a long sigh, "You know, that Santa doesn't—" she halted mid-sentence as a gentle jingling sound drifted across the winter air. She frowned and turned about, looking up.

And, in that instant, what faith Aren McNamara had in the sanity of the world died a very quick death.

In the distance, a red sleigh soared through the night sky, closing quickly on their location.

Aren's jaw dropped, "W-wha?" she gaped and noticed the smile on her companions face widen, his white teeth showing. It was no longer a smile; it was a wolf baring his teeth in anticipation as the red sleigh came within a mile's distance.

His aura went from a steady flow and erupted into an almost blazing flame.

"I would suggest you turn in now, Aren." said Armani, pushing himself slowly to his feet, hand drifting to his side.

Aren just stared, wide-eyed between the boy and the closing sleigh, "Wh-why?"

His smile stretched into a feral grin as his hand pulled his sword free and twirled it into a readied stance, "Because, my dear… Santa Claus is coming to town."

To be continued…

[A/N] And so that does that for this little instalment. I hope you all had a merry Christmas. Not sure if I'll close this one on a new year's party chapter or not, but we've got matters to attend to with what's coming up. Let the last battle begin…

See you all in Chapter 9: 2011 (Part 2)